Looking for that perfect holiday gift that will really make an impact? Consider giving a gift card to the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment.
The endowment, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2012 to build a permanent fund to bridge the gap between shrinking budgets and the increasing costs of maintaining the community’s character. Through the endowment, donors can make contributions that will directly impact the programs they are most passionate about—from sports to nature.

Purchase a gift card in increments of $25. The recipient can redeem the card by instructing the endowment how much to give to local nonprofit(s) of their choice. The card comes with a list of suggestions—Outreach Teen & Family Services, Mt. Lebanon Extended Day, Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education, Mt. Lebanon Village, the Denis Theatre Foundation, Historical Society of Mount Lebanon, Friends of Mt. Lebanon Library, Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy, Mt. Lebanon Veterans’ Memorial and Lending Hearts, a local group that helps children undergoing cancer treatment—but any 501(c)(3) in Mt. Lebanon is eligible.

“We’ll happily give to any organization you’d like,” says Audrey Bode, the endowment’s executive director. Best of all, funds can be split among a number of worthwhile causes. There are no administration fees—all funds go to the charities of your recipient’s choice.

The endowment recently awarded $1,000 grants to both Outreach Teen & Family Services and Lending Hearts. The family of Mt. Lebanon wrestling coach George Lamprinakos, who passed away last year, has established a memorial fund to support wrestling activities in the community through the endowment.

For more information or to get a card, contact Bode at 412-337-0225 or abode@mtlebanonendowment.org or check the endowment’s website at www.mtlebanonendowment.org.